State Senate Passes Police Custody Death Bill

State Senate Passes Police Custody Death Bill

Posted By
Samster Konkel & Safran, C.C.

As previously reported here, the Wisconsin legislature has been considering
a bill that would end the practice of law enforcement agencies investigating
themselves after a death in police custody. The proposed bill would require
a team of at least two investigators from an outside agency to investigate
in-custody deaths. Reports from the investigation would be released to
the public if criminal charges were not filed against the law enforcement
officers involved. The Wisconsin State Assembly passed the bill back in
February. On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, the State Senate passed the bill
on a voice vote without debate. Michael Bell, whose son was shot and killed
by Kenosha police, expressed his gratitude that the legislature approved
the bill, stating “I applaud the GOP leadership and law enforcement
for doing the right thing here and making the process better for everyone.”
The bill now heads to Governor Scott Walker for approval.

The Milwaukee civil rights attorneys of Samster, Konkel & Safran, S.C.
represent the three young children of Derek Williams, along with their
mother. Mr. Williams died in Milwaukee Police Department custody back
in July 2011. We congratulate the legislature for passing the bill and
we encourage Governor Walker to sign the bill, so that there can be justice
and accountability for deaths in police custody.